Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls Recipe

Introduction

Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls are a flavorful twist on classic meatballs, packed with bold spices and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect as a hearty appetizer or main dish, these meatballs bring a lively kick to any meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 jalapeño pepper, deseeded and finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 can (15 oz) Mexican-style tomatoes with green chilies
• Fresh lime wedges, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Step 3: Add the shredded cheddar cheese and crushed tortilla chips to the meat mixture.
4. Step 4: Pour in the beaten egg and mix until everything is well combined.
5. Step 5: Shape the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs.
6. Step 6: Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat.
7. Step 7: Add the meatballs to the skillet and sear them until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
8. Step 8: Pour the Mexican-style tomatoes with green chilies over the meatballs.
9. Step 9: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until cooked through.
10. Step 10: Serve the meatballs hot with fresh lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, leave the jalapeño seeds in or add a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Use crushed tortilla chips for added crunch and flavor, or swap with panko breadcrumbs.
• Fresh cilantro can be replaced with parsley if preferred.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. These meatballs can also be frozen before baking for up to 2 months; thaw thoroughly before cooking.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and store them raw in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking or freeze them for longer storage.

What can I serve with these spicy meatballs?

They pair well with rice, tortillas, or a simple green salad to balance the spice and flavors.

Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.9 from 119 reviews

• Author: Julian
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls are flavorful, juicy beef meatballs packed with bold Mexican spices, fresh cilantro, and a hint of heat from jalapeños. These meatballs are seared to perfection, then baked in a zesty tomato and green chili sauce, making them a perfect appetizer or main dish served with fresh lime wedges.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatball Mixture

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 jalapeño pepper, deseeded and finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips
• 1 egg, beaten

For Cooking and Serving

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 can (15 oz) Mexican-style tomatoes with green chilies
• Fresh lime wedges, for garnish

---

Instructions

1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs after searing.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, chopped onion, fresh cilantro, finely chopped jalapeño (with seeds removed for less heat), minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined.
3. Add Cheese and Chips: Incorporate the shredded cheddar cheese and crushed tortilla chips into the seasoned meat mixture to add texture and flavor.
4. Mix in Egg: Pour the beaten egg into the mixture and mix well to help bind the meatballs.
5. Form Meatballs: Shape the meat mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
6. Sear Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and sear them until browned evenly on all sides, about 5 minutes. This step locks in the juices and adds flavor.
7. Add Tomatoes: Pour the can of Mexican-style tomatoes with green chilies over the seared meatballs, covering them in the flavorful sauce.
8. Bake: Transfer the skillet with meatballs and sauce to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has melded with the flavors.
9. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the meatballs hot, garnished with fresh lime wedges for a zesty finish.

Notes

• To adjust spiciness, include or omit jalapeño seeds according to preference.
• Ensure even browning by turning meatballs carefully during searing.
• Use an ovenproof skillet to easily transfer from stovetop to oven without extra dishes.
• Serve with warm tortillas or rice for a full Mexican-inspired meal.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Keywords: Mexican meatballs, spicy meatballs, baked meatballs, Mexican recipe, ground beef meatballs, jalapeño meatballs